Now Playing

I know this is a bit off the normal schedule, but it's been a busy week so deal with it.

When I have some free time, I've been playing the following lately:

PC: Star Wars: The Old Republic. I've started playing it a bit more again and still enjoy it, though wish I knew folks who still played -- I don't care for randoms and don't see a benefit of joining a random guild. Even so, my Sith Marauder just got Revan's Chest Plate and Robes, so I'm pretty excited there.

Also, I finally started The Witcher. Seems interesting, I'll keep up on it.

If you're looking for good PC game deals, be sure to check out GOG.com for the Holiday Sale and GreenManGaming.com always has good daily deals.

X-Box 360: I've stayed with Call of Duty: Black Ops 2, though haven't had much time to invest. A double XP weekend started today, so I'll finally prestige. Thinking about trying Tranzit mode, but I've never enjoyed CoD Zombies.

I want to start a new character in Skyrim, but I don't want to pay for the two DLC I've missed. Oh well.

PS3: Nothing! Sorry! Pretty soon I'll be watching Star Wars in Blu Ray, though, so expect some follow up there (I'll be doing a recap of my posts about the different viewing order after the holidays, since I'll be encouraged to watch all the films again in the new format).

3DS: A bit of Pokemon Black 2 here and there, though I've been itching to play Devil Survior: Overclocked again (the New Game+ feature is done right and makes replaying the game that much more enjoyable, not to mention I haven't played every character's ending yet).

Vita: I've finally beaten Persona 4: Golden and have started a NG+. I'll probably play this a bit less now that I'm not sucked into figuring the story out, though I am mildly interested in trying for the Platinum trophy (it would be my first ever game to get all achievements for). I don't see anything else on the Vita horizon for a bit, though it's be perfect if Persona 3: Portable (a PSP title) went on sale this holiday...

iPhone: Yep, I've been playing Angry Birds: Star Wars. I couldn't help it. If you enjoyed Angry Birds and like Star Wars even a little, it's good.

Other: My youngest brother gave me a GameCube he found. I don't have a controller yet (and have made no effort to find one), but I eventually look forward to playing some GC titles (he also gave me one of the Pokemon Colosseum titles, and I've never played one before).

That's it for now. The only game that I know is coming out and has me somewhat interested is Injustice: Gods Among Us (the DC fighter done by the guys who made Mortal Kombat 9), but even that's only a tentative interest.

Anything you guys would like to see reviewed for next week?

Halo 4 vs. Black Ops 2: First Impressions

Alrighty, if this title doesn't cause some waves, I don't know what will!

First, my favorite genre of game is Strategy RPG. Not FPS. In recent years, however, I have come to enjoy the FPS genre due to being able to play with and against friends.

My first Halo was 3 and my first CoD was Modern Warfare 2. I've since played every Halo (multiplayer) and every CoD since 4 (again, multiplayer).

I prefer CoD. In Halo, there are several things I don't like, though the biggest issue I have is that there are a specific set of skills you need to have to be good at the game. There IS a wrong way to eat a Reese's, if you're a Spartan super soldier. I'm not particularly good at it, and so dislike Halo in general.

CoD, I can always run and gun and do ok. I can also play smarter and do better, or play wildly differently just because. I believe this is because of the class customization that Halo, as a rule, lacks. I don't WANT to have to hunt down power weapons on a map. I want to find a weapon I like, start with it, and use it as much as a want.

Also, I want to be able to get a lucky twitch/panic kill.

Ok, so you know my standpoint and I'm NOT entering this first impression as an impartial mediator.

Here goes!

Halo 4, so far, has been my favorite Halo yet. It still plays VERY much like Halo, though there are key differences that make it appealing to me:

-Everyone has a sprint ability, meaning matches are faster (or at least action happens faster).

Red vs Blue

-They've introduced a minor loadout feature. I can't start with any weapon I want, but I can at least choose from a small selection.
-The armor abilities seem to be done right in this version.
-Power weapon spawns are randomized, which means no more issues of getting ruins by the guy who knows where everything is and when it will respawn.
-Players can now call in Ordinance after getting enough points, allowing them to gain access to better weapons on their own terms.

There are only two cons for me:

-They brought back my least favorite map, Valhalla (now known as Ragnarok), AND it is the map voted for most, as far as I can tell.
-It still plays like Halo, which I've never spent enough time with to get better.

That being said, my first impression has been very positive. The new weapons are nice enough, the new walker units are awesome, and it's a damn pretty game, I just need to get better with the franchise before I sign up as a part of the fan base.



Black Ops 2 changes up things just enough that I'm not bitter about another CoD release. I'm not sure yet if it's my favorite CoD, but I do enjoy the changes:

-The "Pick 10" system allows MUCH more versatility when creating a class, which is awesome.
-The guns, so far, feel pretty good. There are definitely some guns that seem a bit overpowered, but all in all it hasn't been awful.

One second later, everyone is dead. Everyone.

-I enjoy the maps. I don't have a favorite, but I don't HATE any yet, which was usually the case with past games.
-Matches seem faster than ever, though not in a way to be distressing.
-Leveling is done right - guns gain attachments the more kills you get them and you gain options to unlock as you level up, weather it is a new perk or weapon you decide to choose.
-The emblem editor is back, and more versatile than ever.
-Scoresteaks replace killstreaks, they're a touch harder to get, AND the rewards are pretty diverse.

There are a few things I have issues with, however:

-It feels as if you die MUCH faster (less bullets to kill) in this game than past renditions.
-Lag is still an issue.
-Knifing has been nerfed to the point of being almost useless, which was my favorite thing from MW2 and, to an extent, Black Ops.
-Level progression is a touch slow in regards to netting the perks and weapons I actually WANT.
-There is no infinite sprint, which I personally find to be a weakness, especially since there is no knife lunge.

That being said, I have REALLY enjoyed playing Black Ops 2. Some of my issues with potentially be patched, so the future is promising as well. Online, I've seen a lot of hate for Black Ops 2, especially when compared to earlier games, but I think I'm enjoying it at least as much as any other CoD during launch, if not a little bit more due to my anticipating unlocking more weapons and perks.

Overall, I'm enjoying Black Ops 2 MORE than Halo 4, but that is to be expected. I've always liked the faster gameplay and greater access to weapons. That being said, Halo 4 easily outpaces Black Ops 2 when it comes to improvements over past titles, as well as having a more favorable first impression overall.

Halo, while faster than past games, is still a slower, slightly more tactical game. The tactics generally come down to the best position, the best weapons, and the best aim. It takes practice and can put off new players playing against veterans -- it's painfully obvious when I run up against someone who knows what they're doing.

CoD is also a bit faster this time around, though this is due to all the maps being on the smaller side and having nooks and crannies and detours every four feet. If you don't keep moving, someone WILL be behind you in just a moment. Whoever shoots first usually wins, it's up to you to make sure you've got the jump on your opponent.

If I ever bother to play the campaigns, I may do a further comparison. For now, I'm happy with both titles and look forward to playing with folks soon.

Anyone else have any thoughts on great things for either title that I missed?

Hunting Game(s): Three November Titles

No new video game updates with me personally, though November is an interesting month for gamers.

To start, Halo 4 came out yesterday. While it still follows the Halo format (which means I won't enjoy it), there are a couple of traits that seem to set it apart -- a better integration of sprint, random weapon spawns, and all new weapons/vehicles go a long way to make the game interesting for a non-believer again. That being said, I WON'T be picking it up, at least not for awhile.

I'm pretty terrible at Halo...

...I can spray and pray in CoD.

That's because Call of Duty: Black Ops II comes out next Tuesday. Normally I'd try to go to a midnight release, but it's not looking too good (on call for work, work the next day, I'm getting too old for Gamestop CoD lines, etc...). I still might, however, because I'm actually pretty excited for the game. The complete level of class customization the game allows looks REALLY interesting, as does some of the new items and kill streaks. Look for a First Impression next Wednesday (as long as I'm actually able to pick it up by then).

After that, the only game on my radar is Persona 4: Golden, which is on the Vita. I own the original on PS2 but never beat it -- I look forward to changing that with the Vita version. It's a Shin Megami Tensei RPG, with randomized dungeons and really interesting monsters. The story is a murder mystery, of a sort, which you learn about as you progress the story and your social relationships with the characters in the game, simulation style.

Can't wait!

That's really it on the games front for me. The wife DID pick up the pull list, as well as a couple of surprise issues, so expect to see a Pull List Review soon. I've also decided which Marvel NOW! titles I'll be picking up initially, so keep an eye out for that.


Other than that, I might start going off on tangents that don't fit my M-W-F schedule. Keep an eye out for that -- I had something I wanted to write about today and seem to have forgotten, but it will eventually happen.

A short post going into another storm. Hopefully there are no issues and I'll finally be able to complete a Friday post on time!

If anyone plans on picking up Black Ops II for 360, add me. My gamertag is Silt44 and I enjoy getting group games going (preferably with mics, but I don't discriminate).

Balls, it's snowing.

Hunting Game(s): Upcoming Dates

Howdy Folks,

Sorry if my slightly late posts have been an issue for anyone who really looks forward to my MWF schedule, this has been a bit busier of a week with grad classwork and the like. Hopefully next week will slow down a bit!

For this week's Hunting Game(s) post, I wanted to give a calendar for what releases to expect in October, November, and December:

10/7: Pokemon Black 2 and White 2 release this week, though I'm going to have to pass (GASP!) if I want to hit the other two titles I want this month. It's nice that they're the first story-following sequels, but I don't see any other reason to pick them up, and who the hell plays Pokemon for the story?

10/9: Dishonored and XCOM: Enemy Unknown - I'll be picking these both up, thanks to selling my soul at GameStop, and at least one of them should be featured in next week's Hunting Game(s).
---Dragon Ball Z for Kinect also comes out, but I don't have a Kinect (... and I assume it will be terrible, but that's neither here nor there).

10/23: Killzone HD is out!

10/30: Marvel Avengers: Battle for Erath (another Kinect title) comes out, but, more importantly, so does Zone of the Enders HD Collection! Oh, and Assassin's Creed III comes out too, for those of you into that...

11/6: Dragon Ball Z Budokai HD Collection and Halo 4 hit stores on this day. I'd suggest skipping Budokai (it only has the first and third games, apparently), and I think I'm personally skipping Halo. Mass Effect Trilogy is another notable release.

11/13: Call of Duty: Black Ops II comes out -- I'm looking forward to this, though I say that every CoD lately and am let down...

11/20: Persona 4: Golden is released on the Vita! Finally! I actually thought this was coming out in October; now I'm a bit sad I have to wait. Also, Playstation All-Stars Battle Royale comes out (you know, the Super Smash Bros. knock off with a terrible name).

12/4: Far Cry 3 is out, which looks interesting, though I never played the first two.

On a side note, the 3DS has NOTHING coming out all year that interests me. Nintendo REALLY needs to support their next gen device and stop developing so many DS games (which they may be, since the list I'm working off only has released into November...).

If you notice a lack of Wii or Wii U titles, that's because I have no intention of picking them up and couldn't really suggest and decent titles on their upcoming list -- I've done at least a little research or am otherwise familiar with the above.

Next Tuesday is XCOM and Dishonored (you know, as I wrote above), and I can't wait! I'm going to try and find a store with a midnight release (and, since GameStop doesn't seem to have my back on this, will probably be Wal-Mart), and I have Tuesday off so I can play to my heart's content!

Alright, see you Friday with a post on... well, I have no idea!

Call of Duty Black Ops 2 Follow Up

Just a quick post I want to get out there -- this video is the same mutliplayer trailer I posted previously, except this time it has developer commentary which is VERY insightful.



Yes, I will be making a knife class. Yes, I am very excited.

XCOM should last me to CoD and, while I'm sad I'll have to post pone Dishonored until its cheaper (or I have more money), I'm not crushed. These two games look like I'll be a very happy camper :)

And yes, that was a pun.

Hunting Game(s): Upcoming and Now Playing

I know I posted a bit about the Vita yesterday, but that was more of a random update that I found interesting. This week's rendition of "Hunting Game(s)" (which I'm thinking of re-branding. At first it was pun-ny, not I'm not enjoying it) is about upcoming items and what I've been playing.

Titles on my Radar
X-COM: Enemy Unknown


Yes, that is an hour of game play footage. And yes, it is awesome.

Pros: It looks like the perfect game for me. Literally, when I think of a dream game, it is apparently X-COM (which I've never played anything related to before). It is a gorgeous, interesting, story-oriented strategy game with SO. MANY. OPTIONS! I'm really looking forward to this title, which drops October 9th.
Cons: I'm torn between getting it for 360 or PC, and I've NEVER had that issue before...

Dishonored


Shorter video this time, but still awesome.

Pros: This looks like a mix between Bioshock and Assassin's Creed, and I love the idea. It has several different approaches to each mission, interesting abilities, potential for a good story, and is set in a steampunk world. It drops... on October 9th.
Cons: It comes out the same day as X-COM! I've cut back my gaming expenses in light of other things, and only one of these games will make the cut, the other will be something I avidly await a price drop for. I'm tempted to choose this one SIMPLY for the fact that the pre-order bonus is an actual set of Tarot Cards...

Maybe I'll play the lottery this month...

Call of Duty: Black Ops 2

I'm not posting a video, check back to last week's post for a good one!

Pros:The release date is November 13th, which means it won't have any other competition (that I can think of) for a November purchase. I'm looking forward to the changes and it will be nice playing a game that I know most of my friends (who all live far away) will purchase as well.
Cons: As a series itself, I only like CoD for the multiplayer, and usually only when I'm playing with friends. I'm concerned that, for all its changes, it will just be more of the same old show we've seen before.

Now Playing
360: CoD: Modern Warare 2. I've been picking this up and playing it to scratch the FPS/multiplayer itch and it's one of the only games I have in common with my brothers (for now). As good as I remembered (knifing especially), though often frustrating due to NoobTubes and Campers.
Spider-Man: Edge of Time. Picked it up on super sale from Amazon awhile back with the intention of selling it. Apparently everyone and there mother bought it at the same time and wouldn't buy my copy. So now I'm replaying it to test out some of the new things release via HeroHQ (costumes and arena) while getting achievements (I played the PS3 version last time).

PS3: Nothing! My brothers (a couple states away) have it for now. Which is unfortunate, because I need to to download Final Fantasy VII to my Vita. CURSES!

PC: Nothing serious, atm. Interested that The Old Republic is going free to play -- I'll feel less guilty about not making much time for it -- I'm waiting for the next big expansion, then I'll try to navigate the new server I got moved to.

3DS: Picked up Devil Survivor 2 again, playing it here and there. Still not as good as the first one, but I was able to get past the level that was irking me. Will eventually finish it.

Vita: Still picking up and playing Mortal Kombat. Not too often, but I'm glad I have it for the next time I get a fighting game urge.

PS2: Speaking of fighting games, I've been thinking of playing through Dragon Ball Z: Infinite World again. Haven't started yet, but it's somewhere on my to-do list.

That's it for now, no clue what next week will bring!

Hunting Game(s): Call of Duty: Black Ops II

Below is the multiplayer trailer and my response to it!



First, I must say that this trailer has gotten me excited in a CoD game again. I know it's silly, seeing as how it's so short, but I've haven't really been interested in any of the previous releases (my first, to be honest, was MW2, and I picked it up only due to peer pressure -- and I'm glad I gave in).

My favorite thing throughout the video is the post apocalyptic looking art style. It almost reminds me of Brink with CoD graphics at times (and that's all I'll say about Brink, I promise!). It's a fresh look from the standard soldier, and is nice for people like me who don't care for accuracy or complete realism.

Dolphin diving is back. Can't say how useful it will be, but it looks damn cool and adds some flair to CTF.

I don't know how I feel about the Dragonfires (remote controlled drones). Depends how easy they are to get, I suppose, though they do look relatively easy to destory.

SHIELDS! YES! I know they are terrible in MW2, but I remember doing lobbies with friends and just having shield matches! Every now and then I'd try running them in multiplayer, but it was mostly just for laughs. These shields actually look interesting and I'm interested to see what kind of teamwork options they promote in a mostly lone-wolf style of game. And I'm pretty sure they shields are able to be planted and used as mobile cover -- this could have some interesting combos with the Wildcard system I've heard about, which includes one option to equip two primary weapons.

The remote controlled tank of doom doesn't interest me, but I didn't care for it in MW3, either.

Running animation looks MUCH improved, even if knifing looks like it requires you to be closer than ever. I won't be running any MLC variants (explained below in MW2 section), apparently, but that's probably for the best.

Shotguns look more overpowered than ever, which doesn't interest me.

All in all, I'm hoping to see some new (and new feeling) guns as well as some futuristic equipment -- hopefully more than just the few items shown in the trailer.

This YouTube Channel seems to have some good information on BOII and I'll be following up on that soon.

Final comment: I'll be picking this up on release, expect to see a first impression around then!


Other CoDs I've played:

CoD: 4 (MW1) I didn't enjoy much when I got around to playing it, but I did love the map Shipment.

WaW: I didn't play this one too seriously so I can't say much about it. I liked a few of the maps and would like to see them make it to other games. This and MW2 are the only campaigns I finished, so that's unique I suppose.

MW2 allowed you to make an over-powered knifing class (Marathon Pro, Lightweight Pro, and Commando Pro with a handgun/tac knife combo). Also had Favela, my favorite CoD map to date.

Black Ops was interesting because of the different game types that were instituted. Oh, and Dolphin Diving. Also, my favorite maps for CTF.

MW3 was interesting because of the updated graphics and some of the maps were interesting.